Elderly woman attacked by teenager in flashing Santa hat

The attack took place near the church at the end of the Dean Bridge

AN ELDERLY woman has been left with a nasty head injury after she was assaulted by a teenager wearing a flashing Santa hat as she headed home from a festive function.

Police are appealing for information after the incident, which happened at around 11.20pm outside the Rhema Church on Dean Bridge, opposite the junction of Eton Terrace, last night.

The 78-year-old victim was walking with home from a function with her husband when they noticed the suspect, who was wearing a flashing Santa hat, sitting on the steps at the church door with another male, who was also wearing a Santa hat.

The couple passed them, and a few seconds later the woman was pushed from behind by the suspect, who then tried to grab her bag.

There was a struggle before the suspect ran off empty-handed, however the victim hit her head as she fell and has sustained a significant head injury.

She was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for her injuries and was later released from hospital.

The second man wasn’t present during the assault.

Both men are described as being in their late teens, and the suspect is described as wearing a bomber jacket.

Detective Sergeant Richard Creanor, who is leading the enquiry, said: “This was an opportunistic and entirely unprovoked assault which has left an elderly woman injured and shaken.

“Both men were wearing distinctive festive hats and this key detail might jog someone’s memory who has vital information about their identity.

“I would appeal to anyone who might recognise the description of the men, or who thinks they might know who they are, to get in touch immediately.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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